Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Charles Sneesby was shot and killed while investigating burglary call at the United States Post Office in Devils Lake at 502 Fourth Street NE. He was shot at close range as he entered the building to investigate a light that he observed inside. A citizen who lived next door observed four men flee the scene in an automobile. One of the suspects was apprehended near Shelby, Montana, on January 7, 1933. He was later transferred from jail to a hospital where he died of pneumonia on March 18, 1933. It was later discovered that a second suspect was in the North Dakota Penitentiary for a conviction of another crime. On September 13, 1933, he was arrested as he was being released from prison. On December 1, 1933, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. On March 28, 1946, he was denied a new trial. Policeman Sneesby was survived by his wife and five children. He was preceded in death by a son. He was buried in the Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery in Devils Lake.
Survivors
Policeman Sneesby was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-ND-FF41E99B- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Sneesby served with the Devils Lake Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Devils Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Sneesby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Charles Robert Sneesby is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In ND, 39 of 61 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Devils Lake Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Robert Sneesby's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Robert Sneesby Compares
Offender Outcome
Two apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Robert Sneesby is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Robert Sneesby was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Devils Lake Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
